The 7 BIG Updates from Walt Disney World This Week (February 18-24, 2019)

This week at Walt Disney World, a new detail is revealed about a Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction, more information about the reboot of Epcot is revealed, plus Disney closes another FastPass+ loophole!

1. Height restriction for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance confirmed

Image: Disney

As we get closer to the summer opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, more details are coming out about the attractions that will be featured in this land (and at Disney's Hollywood Studios this fall). And if you've been paying attention to some of the spoilers regarding this ride, it may come as no surprise that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will carry a 40-inch height restriction, the same as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

2. Another FastPass+ loophole closed

Image: Disney

Just a few weeks after updating the FastPass+ cancellation policy for guests who remove their hotel reservations, Disney has closed another FastPass+ loophole that allowed resort hotel guests to make early FastPass+ reservations by using a ticket that was longer than a resort stay. However, under the new policy, If guests have a ticket longer than a resort stay, they will need to wait until the 30 day pre arrival booking window to make additional FastPass+ reservations, which means that with a 14 day ticket and a 60 day pre arrival booking window, the earliest FastPass+ pre-booking window (for standard hotel stays) is now 74 days.

3. More information about the reinvention of Epcot revealed

Image: Disney

Disney revealed more information this week about the Epcot reinvention project, announcing several big changes coming in the next few years, including:

Epcot's main entrance plaza is being redesigned in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World, with expanded new walkways, new garden areas, a newly reimagined fountain and a design that will pay homage to the original park entrance with fresh takes on classic elements, all of which you can see in the concept art above.

The Wonders of Life pavilion is finally being turned into attraction space once again, and is being re-designed and re-branded as Future World's new "Play" pavilion (we're not quite sure if this is the official name or not). This updated space will be designed to look like an innovative indoor city that’ll come to life with interactive experiences, including ones that will include Disney characters.

There are a LOT of changes coming to Epcot over the next five years, and to help guests keep track of everything happening there will be a new semi-permanent "Experience Center" opening in the former Odyssey restaurant later this year that will showcase the upcoming changes to Epcot. This reimagined preview space will feature engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the future of Epcot, and will be open for the next few years.